Wiki severe COPD

[Trendale]

Hello,
Can someone tell me what is the most accurate DX to use for severe COPD? I code for a pulmonary intesivist, and he documents this a lot. I have been using 491.21. ( severe as acute)

Thanks!

 

[LTibbetts]

That is what I would use for acute exacerbation but unless the provider documented it that way I would stick with the 496. Can you approach your provider and ask them that? S/he may not agree that it is an exacerbation, just the actual disease in a severe "state".